2026 STUDENT FILM COMPETITON
WATCH THIS YEAR'S WINNERS AND FINALISTS NOW!
2026 WINNERS
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TO FLOW FREELY - Directed by Jakob Cruz
Winner: BEST IN FILMMAKING, BEST EDITING YAWN WICK - Directed by Benny Eldridge
Winner: BEST DIRECTOR |
OFF TRAIL - Directed by Emerson Jacquay
Winner: BEST IN FILMMAKING, CC SPIRIT THE FAILING STUDENT AND THE RAIN: Directed by Ember Teresi
Winner: BEST SCREENPLAY |
UNEXPLODED ORDINANCE - Directed by Jackie Miller
Winner: BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY LARRYTON: Directed by Evan Sidio
Winner: TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT |
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CYBER NIGHT - Directed by Kyan Vander Weele
Winner: BEST SOUND, HM: TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT |
DEALING CARDS - Directed by Krystian Zarate
Winner: BEST DOCUMENTARY |
2026 HONORABLE MENTIONS
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TO CATCH A CREATURE - Directed by Krystian Zarate, Joseph Esparza
A GAMER'S DOCUMENTARY - Directed by Asher Dedek
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ELEUTHEROMANIA - Directed by Raven Rousseve
DUCKTECTIVE - Directed by Brenden Perez, Scia Maumausolo
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THE GRIND - Directed by Miles Reasner
THE WERE-DOBERMAN - Directed by Krystian Zarate, Joseph Esparza
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BEAUTIES OF THE CENTRAL COAST - Directed by Caroline Kaml
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Over the past four years as a cornerstone event, the Central Coast Film Society has granted scholarships to deserving High School Students who demonstrated excellence in Film Arts, Creative Writing/Screenwriting, and Photography. You can view past winners here. It has been an honor and a joy to witness these students embark on creative journeys, using tools at their disposal to craft stories with images and words.
In 2025, the CCFS aims to expand this program by offering over $2000 in awards to students who showcase excellence in a variety of filmmaking aspects. The categories to be recognized are as follows:
In 2025, the CCFS aims to expand this program by offering over $2000 in awards to students who showcase excellence in a variety of filmmaking aspects. The categories to be recognized are as follows:
- Excellence in Filmmaking ($400)
- Achievement in Cinematography ($250)
- Achievement in Directing ($250)
- Achievement in Screenwriting ($250)
- Achievement in Editing ($250)
- Achievement in Sound ($250)
- Achievement in Documentary Filmmaking ($250)
- Technical Achievement ($250)
- Central Coast Spirit Award ($250)
- Film that best showcases the Central Coast
MOMENTS FROM THE
2025 COMPETITION
KEY DATES
- 3/9/26: SUBMISSIONS OPEN
- 4/24/26: SUBMISSION DEADLINE
- 5/17/26: FILM SCREENING EVENT/ SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PRESENTATIONS
- Event details TBA
ELIGIBILITY/REQUIREMENTS
- All applicants MUST be currently enrolled in a Central Coast High School
- All submissions must be NO LONGER than 10-minutes in length, and must not include explicit content unsuitable for audiences under 13.
- Films from the following categories are accepted:
- Narrative Live-Action Short Film (scripted)
- Narrative Animated Short Film (scripted)
- Documentary Short Film
- Animated Documentary Short Film
- Music Video
- Experimental
- Demo Reel
- Films or videos from the following categories are NOT accepted:
- VLOGs
- TikToks/Social Media Reels
- Slideshows
- Streaming Clips
- Films over 10 minutes
- Copyrighted music may be used if the song’s original artist and composer are credited
- NEW FOR 2026: AI GENERATED CONTENT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR AN AWARD
- CCFS appreciates and champions artistic integrity, particularly in the creativity possible in hand-crafted student filmmaking. AI generated videos, films, or clips will not be considered for an award. AI-enhanced effects, sound design, or visual elements will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and CCFS reserves the right to disqualify a film based on its use of AI generated content. For more information, feel free to contact us!
- Films from the following categories are accepted:
- All films must be submitted on FilmFreeway, and the following materials must be emailed to [email protected]
- Full Name
- School Name
- Date of submission
- Title and description of your submission including inspiration behind the work, any interesting facts/challenges about the project, and what you hope the film expresses about your filmmaking passions (no more than 5-7 lines)
- Student ID
Plagiarism: CCFS has a no-tolerance policy for plagiarism. Any applicant whose winning work is determined to be plagiarized in whole or in part will forfeit any awards.
SUBMIT YOUR FILM NOW!
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AWARD AND JUDGING GUIDELINES
- All films are judged by a panel of professional filmmakers and educators from the Central Coast. All judging takes place before the screening event. Any and all feedback from judges can be requested by all entrants.
- Please click here for a comprehensive document outlining competition information.
CONTACT
EDUCATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS: For any immediate questions please contact us via email:
[email protected]
[email protected]